- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Year of Institution: 1801
- Country: Great Britain
The Highland Society’s Medal for Egypt 1801 was awarded by the Highland Society of London to all ranks of The Black Watch, or 42nd Regiment, for their conduct at the Battle of Alexandria on 21 March 1801, against the French.
General Abercromby commanded the British expedition to Egypt (landing at Aboukir Bay on 2 March 1801) in the face of strenuous French opposition in what is considered one of the most brilliant exploits of all times. Abercromby died after a surprise attack on 21 March and died aboard the flagship seven days later.
Medals in gold were presented to the Prince Regent and Abercromby’s sons, while later silver and bronze variations were awarded to senior officers of the expedition and soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the campaign.
The Highland and Agricultural Society (now Royal) was founded in 1784 to promote the development of agriculture in Scotland (and in particular in the Highlands).
The Highland Society’s Medal for Egypt 1801 Design
The medal is struck in gold or silver, and measures 49 mm in diameter. It was designed by Pidgeon.
The obverse bears the right-facing bust of General Sir Ralph Abercromby and a Latin inscription alluding to his death in Egypt. The reverse shows a Gaelic inscription: “NA FIR A CHOISIN BUAIDHSAN EPHAIT“, or ‘These are the heroes who won Victory in Egypt‘ and the date 21 MAR 1801. On the edge is the inscription “On choumun Chaeleach D’on Fhreiceadan Dubh Na XLII RT” (or “From the London Highland Society to the Black Watch or 42nd Regt.)
The emblem of the sphinx was awarded as a battle honor to regiments that had distinguished themselves in the Egyptian Campaign of 1801.
The medals were originally awarded without a ribbon.
